CN102190144A - Trash can with power operated lid - Google Patents

Abstract

A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.

Description

Sewage disposer with power operation lid

The cross reference of related application

The application requires in the rights and interests of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/313736 of submission on March 13rd, 2010 according to 35 U.S.C § 119 (e), and it is attached to the document among the application in full by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the power operation device, for example be used for the power operation lid or the door of container.

Background technology

Container and other device with lid or door are used for various environment.For example, in family expenses and commercial environment, sewage disposer and other device has the lid that the content that is used to prevent or stops container is poured out usually.In the situation of sewage disposer, some sewage disposers comprise lid or door, to prevent the stink effusion and the rubbish in the container is hidden in outside the sight line.In addition, the lid of sewage disposer helps to prevent that pollutants from spilling from container.

Recently, the sewage disposer with power operation lid is sold on market.These sewage disposers comprise and being arranged on the lid or near the sensor it.This sensor can be configured to detect motion, and for example user's hand is waved near sensor, as the signal that is used for uncover.When activating this sensor, the electrical motor in refuse container is opened lid or door, thereby makes the user article can be placed in the container.Afterwards, lid can be closed automatically.

But there are some problems in these motion sensors.For example, the current sanitary fill of user in container or bucket with sewage disposer of power operation lid must be higher than under the situation of height of lid itself and can encounter problems.If the height that the rubbish in the bucket or other material are higher than lid itself, then lid can not be closed fully.This can cause electrical motor or battery wearing and tearing, remains in operation, and/or ultimate failure.It also can force the user that rubbish is reset, removed to controller, and perhaps manual squeezing rubbish is up to can be with cover closing.

In addition, the representative type motion sensor is configured to the variation of detection of reflected light.Therefore, user's clothes can make this device carry out different operations with skin color.More particularly, these sensors can detect the motion of the hand of the user with the combination of a kind of clothes and skin color better, but more insensitive to the motion of the hand of another user with the combination of different clothes and/or skin color.In addition, sensor can in the room, switch on and off or in the lamp sensitivity of motion of this sewage disposer front or motion process.

If this pick up calibration is become to detect in for example hand of any user in 12 inches scopes or the motion of body part of rang sensor, then this sensor also may unexpectedly be triggered.If the unexpected triggering of sensor is too frequent, can use up then for the battery of this device power supply rapidly, can waste energy, and/or excessively use of electrical motor.But, if with pick up calibration for more insensitive, for some users and Yan Zehui be difficult to make up and activate this sensor easily according to its clothes and/or skin color.

If battery or other power supply are accumulated electric charge is arranged on its end, also existing problems.These electric charges can provide wrong indication to the actual electrical potential difference on battery, and can cause motion or the effect or with different speed operations in a different manner between different used lifes of electrical motor and/or lid.

In addition, many groups or some rubbish if the user wishes to turn also can go wrong.In case sensor is activated, then lid can rise to open position, automatically closes then.But in case lid begins to close, then before lid was opened once more, the user was forced to wait for and arrives complete off position up to lid.If the user wants suddenly this lid to be opened once more or had another part rubbish to throw away when lid is closed, then he or she must wait for up to this lid before activated sensors once more and return to its complete off position.

Summary of the invention

An aspect of at least one disclosed here invention comprises such scheme, can trigger photodetector by the sunshine on every side and the indoor light of some type, for example be used to trigger the infrared detector that opens or closes of dustbin cover, for example disclosed those detectors in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0194532.For example, even have been found that at infrared detector and be designed to detect under the situation of the impulse rate different, also can trigger known infrared detector from the pulse of fluorescent tube bulb light with the impulse rate of fluorescent lamp emission.More particularly, have been found that the decay along with the light of fluorescent tube bulb, the impulse rate of the light of its emission has been lost some frequencies gradually.In addition, when being provided with a plurality of fluorescent tube bulb light in same room, overlapping the failing to be convened for lack of a quorum of different pulse frequency produces many different effective impulses.Have been found that when having two or more fluorescent tube bulb light two bit encryptions of these infrared detectors still can cause the transient error of these detectors to trigger.

Have been found that also employing at least three bit encryption technology can almost eliminate erroneous trigger.The four bit encryption technology that also have been found that can be eliminated erroneous trigger fully, and the environment for use of pipe unit is not out of doors or under the environment with many fluorescent lights of many different frequencies pulsation.But people recognize that these fluorescent lights might trigger the system with four bit encryptions.But,, also do not observe any this erroneous trigger through some ress.

Another aspect in disclosed here at least some specific embodiment is, the strick precaution to erroneous trigger can be further improved at effective visual angle of having realized the restriction fluorescence detector.For example, the photodetector that uses on the sewage disposer can be configured to have with the positive parallel direction of sewage disposer on wideer and with the positive vertical direction of sewage disposer on narrower visual angle.And this oblong of these optical pickocffs is observed pattern and can be prevented from better unexpected the driving to occur when the user passes by sewage disposer, and the part that can detect user's body satisfactorily along with positive vertical direction the moving on sewage disposer of sewage disposer.By front two or more optical receivers are set and realize further raising along sewage disposer; thereby further widen the range of observation of the optical sensing system of sewage disposer effectively, kept simultaneously by the above-mentioned narrower erroneous trigger that detection angles provided protection.

Here another aspect of disclosed at least some specific embodiment is, when dustbin cover was closed, lid only tends to because the motion of lid self or because other external light sources or motion and activated by unexpected.Therefore, advantageously have a sensor sewage disposer, it has high filtered model when dustbin cover is closed.

Here another aspect of disclosed at least some specific embodiment is, when dustbin cover is opened fully, the user often wants dustbin cover is stayed open, and perhaps wants to have the selection of again lid being opened easily rapidly to make it to stay open.This is especially true when the user will pile up many rubbish and consider that lid will be closed in a period of time.Therefore, preferably have a kind of like this operation mode, this pattern makes lid to stay open in longer a period of time, and/or has a kind of like this operation mode, and this pattern allows to activate again easily rapidly.

Another aspect in disclosed here at least one specific embodiment is, preferably can have when opening at a predetermined velocity and the lid that moves at a predetermined velocity when closing, thereby give more consistent sensation of this sewage disposer and outward appearance.Preferably can also have monitoring mode, this pattern can apply velocity shifts to improve or to reduce lid speed, to make it more near predetermined value.

Therefore, according at least one specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits memory device; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to container opening and closing; Power supply; Be configured to make lid opening and closing electrical motor and the gear assembly that moves between the position; The lifting member that is connected and is configured to move with lid by electrical motor and gear assembly; Be arranged near the lifting member so that detect a plurality of position detectors of the position of lifting member; Be located at the upper end of container and be configured to send at least one optical transmitting set of encrypting pulsed optical signals, described encryption is at least three bit encryptions; Be positioned at least one optical receiver of the upper end of described container, be configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals, described at least one receptor has the limited oblong receiving area that is used to receive described pulsed optical signals; And the controller that is configured to control the operation of described lid.Described controller can comprise: at least one lid motion trigger module, and it is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described receptor has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction to open described lid to controller; The position of cap monitor module is configured to monitor the position of described lifting member and determines that described lid is to be in open mode or to be in closed condition; At least one fault detection module is configured to stop the operation of described electrical motor and provides indicating fault under described electrical motor has been operated situation greater than predetermined amount of time; High filtering module is configured to improve and is sending instruction to described controller to receive the number of times of described encryption pulsed optical signals before described lid is opened; The module that stays open is configured to described lid be kept very first time amount at open position under through the situation of second time quantum having received described encryption pulsed optical signals; Super mode (hypermode) module is configured to the sensitivity that frequency by improving described encryption pulsed optical signals and/or amperes improve described at least one receptor; And the velocity compensation module, be configured to the kinematic velocity that the predetermined optimum speed of basis is regulated described lid.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; Lifting member, it is connected with described lid and is configured to by described electrical motor and gear assembly motion; And at least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send encrypts pulsed optical signals, and described encryption is at least three coded signal.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; Lifting member, it is connected with described lid and is configured to by described electrical motor and gear assembly motion; And at least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive encrypts pulsed optical signals, and described at least one optical receiver has the limited oblong receiving area that is used to receive described pulsed optical signals.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals; At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And controller, be configured to control the operation of described lid.Described controller comprises: at least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; High filtering module is configured to be increased in to described controller and sends instruction must receive the number of times of described encryption pulsed optical signals before opening described lid.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals; At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And controller, be configured to control the operation of described lid.Described controller comprises: at least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; Stay open module, be configured under the situation that receives described encryption pulsed optical signals second time quantum described lid remained on very first time amount in the open position.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals; At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And controller, be configured to control the operation of described lid.Described controller comprises: at least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; Sensitivity strengthens module, is configured to the sensitivity that frequency by improving described encryption pulsed optical signals and/or amperes improve described at least one optical receiver.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals; At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And controller, be configured to control the operation of described lid.Described controller comprises: at least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; The velocity compensation module is configured to regulate the kinematic velocity of described lid according to being scheduled to optimum speed.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; And electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position, and described electrical motor and gear assembly comprise lift system, and it comprises the driving motor with driven wheel; Lifting member and marking element with the tooth bar that pivots, described lifting member are configured to by described driving gear drives; And a plurality of position detectors, be configured to detect the position of described marking element.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; Lifting member, it is connected with described lid and is configured to by described electrical motor and gear assembly driving; Sensor module, comprise at least one optical transmitting set, at least one optical receiver and be configured to being arranged on described at least one optical transmitting set and described at least one case member above the optical receiver, described case member has at least one opening that forms V-arrangement, and it is arranged on described at least one optical transmitting set so that provide light emitting area above described sensor module.

According to another specific embodiment, closed container can comprise: the container part that limits holder; The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing; Power supply; Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position; Lifting member, it is connected with described lid and is configured to by described electrical motor and gear assembly driving; Sensor module, it comprises first group of a plurality of optical transmitting set of the middle body that is arranged in described sensor module and a plurality of illuminators of at least the second group that are arranged in the outside of described sensor module, and comprises at least one optical receiver of the described middle body that is arranged in described sensor module.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing with reference to the preferred specific embodiment describes the above-mentioned of disclosed invention here and other features below.The specific embodiment of being set forth is intended to be used for illustrate rather than restriction the present invention.These accompanying drawings include the following drawings:

Top, front portion and the right side perspective view of a specific embodiment of the closed container that Fig. 1 opens for its lid.

Fig. 2 is in the top of the amplification of the closed container shown in Fig. 1, front portion and right side perspective view.

Fig. 3 is in the top of the container shown in Fig. 1, rear portion, right side perspective view.

Fig. 4 is top, rear portion, the right side perspective view of the amplification after the container bonnet shown in Fig. 1 is removed.

Fig. 5 is that wherein lid is shown in an open position in the top of the amplification of the container shown in Fig. 1, rear portion, right side perspective view, and part is decomposed, and has removed sewage disposer liner and last pad support.

Fig. 6 is in the top of the amplification of the lift system shown in Fig. 5, rear portion and left side perspective view.

Fig. 7 is the transparent view in another amplification of the electrical motor of the lift system shown in Fig. 6 and gear driven mechanism.

Fig. 8 is the scheme drawing of the part of lift system, the driven wheel of lift system and the layout of tooth bar when being illustrated in lid and being in a fully open position.

Fig. 9 is another scheme drawing in the part of the lift system shown in Fig. 8, is shown schematically in the midway location that lid is in some parts when the midway location that opens and closes between the position.

Figure 10 is another scheme drawing in the part of the lift system shown in Fig. 8, is shown schematically in the midway location that lid is in some parts when the midway location that opens and closes between the position.

Figure 11 is another scheme drawing of the parts shown in the Fig. 8 when lid is in complete off position.

Figure 12 is top, front portion and the right side perspective view of the sensor module on the front portion of the sewage disposer shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 13 is in the top of the sensor module shown in Figure 12, front portion and right side perspective view, has wherein removed support ring.

Figure 14 is in the top of the sensor module shown in Figure 13, front portion and right side perspective view, has wherein removed another part of sensor module.

Figure 15 A is the transparent view at the case member of the sensor module shown in Figure 12.

Figure 15 B is the transparent view in the plate member of the sensor module shown in Figure 12.

Figure 15 C is the cutaway view of the case member of the sensor module in Figure 15 A.

Figure 16 A is the schematic elevational view of transducer arrangements that is used for the sensor module of Figure 12, demonstrates its visual angle.

Figure 16 B is the schematic side elevation of transducer arrangements that is used for the sensor module of Figure 12, demonstrates its visual angle.

Figure 16 C is the schematic elevational view of another specific embodiment that is used for the transducer arrangements of sensor module, demonstrates its visual angle.

Figure 16 D is the front elevation of the specific embodiment with closed container of the extra optical transmitting set that is arranged in sensor module.

Figure 16 E is the front and the top perspective of the closed container of Figure 16 D.

Figure 17 is the transparent view with sensor module bonded assembly lift system.

Figure 18 and 19 is the transparent view of lift system, and a member further is shown.

Figure 20 is the block scheme that can be used for the controller of the sewage disposer shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 21 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates the control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 22 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 23 is a sequential chart, demonstrates the various optical signallings of the sewage disposer that can be used in Fig. 1.

Figure 24 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 25 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 26 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 27 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

Figure 28 is a diagram of circuit, demonstrates another control program of the sewage disposer that can be used for Fig. 1.

The specific embodiment

The specific embodiment that is used for opening and closing the power system of the lid of container or other devices or door is described in the situation of sewage disposer.Disclosed here invention is described in conjunction with sewage disposer, and this is because they are practical especially in this respect.But, disclosed here invention can be used for other aspects equally, such as but not limited to, large-scale commercially available sewage disposer, door, window, safety door and other bigger doors or lid and be used for more the dingus for example door or the lid of high precision scale, computer drive etc.

With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, sewage disposer assembly 20 can comprise case member 22 and lid 24.Lid 24 can comprise door part, for example the door part 26 of air filter form.Sewage disposer assembly 20 can be configured to be placed on the floor, and can have various height and width according to other conditions, customer requirement, cost and manufacturing simplicity.

Sewage disposer assembly 20 can comprise case member 22, and this case member can comprise upper case portion 28 and lower house part 30.The sewage disposer assembly can also comprise the inner liner 32 that is configured to remain in the outer shell component 22.For example, the upper periphery of outer shell component 22 can be configured to supporting the upper periphery of inner liner 32, thereby inner liner 32 is suspended in the outer shell component 22 by its upper periphery.Optionally, sewage disposer assembly 20 can comprise being supported and being configured to by housing parts 22 liner 32 is supported on liner load-carrying element 34 in the inside of outer shell component 22.In other specific embodiment, inner liner 32 is positioned on the bottom of outer shell component 22.

Outer shell component 22 can be taked arbitrary structures.As shown in Figure 1, outer shell component 22 can have the cross-sectional structure of rectangle substantially, and it has sidewall 36,38, antetheca 40 and rear wall 42(Fig. 3).Inner liner 32 can have the shape that matches substantially with the shape that is limited by outer shell component 22.But, also can adopt other structures.Upper and lower housing parts 28,30 can be made by plastics, steel, corrosion-resistant steel, aluminium or any other materials.

Sewage disposer assembly 20 can also comprise base 44.This base 44 can comprise screw or the miscellaneous part that is used to be connected on the outer shell component 22, and can have the smooth bottom that is used to be shelved on the surperficial for example kitchen floor.The base 44 of this sewage disposer assembly 20 can be with outer shell component 22 integral body, be integral and make, and perhaps separately make with it.Therefore, this base 44 can be made by plastics, steel, corrosion-resistant steel, aluminium or any other materials.In addition, in some embodiments, for example outer shell component 22 is in stainless those specific embodiment therein, and base 44 can be plastic material.

Lid 24 can pivotally be connected on the sewage disposer assembly by any known devices.Shown in the specific embodiment in, lid 24 pivotally is connected on the loam cake support ring 46, this support ring can be fixedly mounted on the upper periphery of outer shell component 22.Hinge 48 and 50 can be constructed according to any known mode.This sewage disposer assembly can also comprise a lift system 52, and this mechanism can be used for making lid 24 round hinge 48 and 50 motions.

With reference to Fig. 3 and 4 and as mentioned above, sewage disposer 20 can comprise rear wall 42.Along rear wall 42, sewage disposer 20 can comprise bonnet 54.Bonnet 54 can surround and/or protect rear side annex 56.Rear side annex 56 can hold the power supply that is used for this sewage disposer 20.For example, in some embodiments, rear side annex 56 can be configured to receive and keep at least one battery.

With reference to Fig. 5, lift system 52 can comprise that controller 58, driving motor 62 and lifting member 62(for example are used as the extension rod of the tooth bar that pivots).At least a portion of lift system 52 can be removed from the remainder of closed container.For example, driving motor 60 or miscellaneous part can be detouchables, thereby can be to its place under repair, replacing etc.Controller 58 can be communicated by letter with sensing system (described below) to determine when driving motor 60 is so that advance lifting member 62 along opening and closing direction.

As shown in Figure 5, driving motor 60 can comprise the driven wheel 64 that is installed on its output shaft.Driven wheel 64 can have desired pitch structure arbitrarily according to load, speed etc.In addition, driving motor 60 can comprise gear reduction.In some embodiments, gear reduction can be 5:1,10:1,50:1,100:1 or other gear reductions arbitrarily, and this will provide desired opening and closing speed characteristic.In some embodiments, lid 24 can manually push and close any time during operation, thereby driving motor 60, lifting member 62 and/or driven wheel 64 allow to slide.For example, driving motor 60 can comprise power-transfer clutch or other structures, and this structure allows lid 24 to turn back to off position.In some embodiments, power-transfer clutch can be configured to be easy to skid, thus with lid 24 is upwards compared towards the open position pushing, easier lid 24 is pushed downwards towards off position.

Lift system 52 can comprise deflector roll 66, and it is configured to driven wheel 64 mutual actions the time to be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8-11 below along opening and closing Direction guide lifting member 62.

With reference to Fig. 6 and 7, lift system 52 can also comprise one or more position detector 68(upper position sensor), 70(upper/lower positions sensor). Position detector 68,70 can adopt for example form of optical transmitting set and optical receiver of paired optics proximity detector.But, also can adopt the sensor of other types.

These position transdusers 68,70 can be configured to detect its position between the opening and closing position when lifting member 62 is moved, and also are described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8-11 below.Electrical motor 60 can be connected with controller 58 with these position detectors 68,70, so that Collaborative Control lifting member 62 and the therefore motion of lid 24.

As shown in Figure 8, when lid 24 is shown in an open position, move lifting member 62 to its full extended position away from position transduser 68,70.Lifting member 62 locates to comprise cylindrical channel 72(Fig. 7 in the top), it can be connected (Fig. 5) with lid 24 by link pin assembly 74.Lifting member 62 can also comprise marking element 76, and this member can be used for combining with position transduser 68,70 device of the position that is provided for indicating closure 24.In some embodiments, closed container 20 can comprise more than one lid 24.For example, this closed container can comprise that two lid 24(for example side by side).In this specific embodiment, lifting member 62 can locate to comprise the shape of fork-shaped in the top, thereby each fork tooth of this fork can contact one in two lids 24.Therefore lifting member 62 can be configured to open simultaneously two lids 24.Optionally, closed container 20 can comprise more than one lifting member 62 and driving motor 60.

As shown in Figure 8, when lifting member 62 is in its full extended position, be in a fully open position corresponding to lid 24, marking element 76 has passed through upper position sensor 68 and upper/lower positions sensor 70 and has been in the top, does not promptly trigger.Therefore, controller 58 can be configured to determine that lid 24 has arrived its uppermost position after marking element 76 is through two position transdusers 70 and 68.More particularly, for example, controller 58 can be configured to just in time to determine that towards the passage in transit upper position sensor 68 of open position and when being positioned at above it lid 24 has arrived its uppermost open position at it at marking element 76.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when lid 24 was in the midway location that is opening and closing between the position, marking element 76 can mutual action, and therefore triggers upper position sensor 68.

As shown in figure 11, when lid 24 was in its complete off position, lifting member 62 can be in its complete advanced position, and marking element 76 can trigger position sensor 70 or can trigger two position transdusers 68,70.More particularly, for example, controller 58 can be configured to determine that lid 24 is in the closed position during by position transduser 70 and still trigger sensor 68 at marking element 76.But, can adopt the combination in any of marking element and position transduser to detect the position of lid 24.

With reference to Figure 12, sewage disposer assembly 20 can also comprise the sensor module 78 on the outside that is arranged on sewage disposer assembly 20.Shown in the specific embodiment in, sensor module 78 is arranged on the last central portion office of body skin part 22 along antetheca 40.This sensor module 78 can comprise outer cover 80, and this outer cover can comprise the transparent or semitransparent structure that allows optical signal transmission and/or reception.For example, outer cover 80 can be by plastics polycarbonate for example, and Makrolon etc. make.In some embodiments, outer cover 80 can flush basically with upper support ring 46.In some embodiments, sensor module 78 is approximately 0.5cm to approximately upper support ring 46 settings of 2cm along width.

With reference to Figure 13, outer cover 80 can comprise a part of structure 82 that is seated in below the support ring 46.

With reference to Figure 14 and 15A-15C, structure 82 can comprise housing 84.Housing 84 can comprise a plurality of upper sheds 86.In some embodiments, opening 86 is an oblong.These oblong openings 86 can form by inclined-plane 88, and these inclined-planes 88 extend with V-shaped configuration substantially when under shed 90 extends towards each other at them.Under shed 90 can be at one or more optical transmitting sets 92 of sensor module 78 and one or more optical receiver 94(photodetector for example with the remainder of housing 84) above be assemblied on the plate 96.Shown in Figure 15 B, plate 96 can comprise one or more buttons and/or switch 98, is used to allow the user send input instruction can for controller 58.In some embodiments, can come activator button and/or switch by a part or a plurality of part of pushing outer cover 80.

Figure 15 C demonstrates the cutaway view of housing 84.In some embodiments, can form V-shaped configuration, above sensor module 78 and sewage disposer assembly 20, to provide light-emitting zone at optical transmitting set 92 and the opening above the optical receiver 94 86.Light-emitting zone is because its shape can be the general conical shape of stretching out from about opening 86.In some embodiments, as shown in the plane of Figure 15 C, the opening 86 on optical transmitting set 92 can have and is approximately the open angles of 20 degree to about 80 degree.Equally, in some embodiments, as shown in the plane of Figure 15 C, the opening 86 on optical receiver 94 can have and is approximately 20 angles to about 80 degree.

In some embodiments, come a plurality of light-emitting zones of the light launched since optical transmitting set 92 can be overlapping and form the overlapping region, this zone be represented with shade line in Figure 15 C.This overlapping region provides amplifies or stronger light-emitting zone existing with object sensing or user.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 15 C, and in some embodiments, optical receiver 94 detects the light by object or user's reflection from the light of optical transmitting set 92.In some embodiments, compare with the optical transmitting set 92 that for example is positioned on the either side, optical receiver 94 deeper is embedded in the opening 86 of housing 84, so that reduce the ambient light that is injected in the optical receiver 94 and makes it erroneous trigger.In some embodiments, optical receiver 94 can have side's disposed thereon attenuator 95.Help to prevent the erroneous trigger of sensor module 78 at this attenuator 95 on the optical receiver 94 by filtering out a large amount of ambient light that is located immediately at above the optical receiver 94.In some embodiments, attenuator 95 can be formed on the housing 84.In other specific embodiment, attenuator 95 can be incorporated into covering and is positioned at the outer cover 80(of the sensor module 78 above the optical receiver 84 shown in Figure 12 and 13) on.Attenuator 95 can be attached on the outer cover 80 with the different materials form, adhesive tape for example, or be different from the texture and the thickness of outer cover 80.Attenuator 95 can have the width of the width that is approximately optical receiver 94, for example is that 1mm is to about 3mm.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 15 B, and optical transmitting set 92 can be configured to launch the light in the infra-red range, so it is normally sightless for naked eyes.These optical transmitting sets can obtain from many sources on market widely in a variety of forms.

Optical receiver 94 equally also can obtain from many sources widely.In some embodiments, optical receiver 94 is configured to be received in the light in the infra-red range.In addition, receptor 94 self or can be designed to just to be emitted in for example output signal in 38KHz or other frequency limit of particular range with independent bandpass filter.

Optical receiver 94 can be configured to for example have oblong reception or viewing area by housing 84 and oblong openings 86.With reference to Figure 16 A, in some specific embodiments, optical receiver 94 is designed to receive substantially the light on the side upwardly extending angle X parallel with the antetheca 40 of body skin 22.In addition and shown in Figure 16 B, optical pickup apparatus 94 can be configured to be received in substantially perpendicular to the light above the upwardly extending visual angle Y in side of the antetheca 40 of housing 22.Therefore, these device corresponding viewing areas of 94 are substantially during greater than angle Y fan-shaped at angle X.In some embodiments, angle X and Y are acute angle.In some embodiments, angle X can be approximately 45 degree.In addition, in some embodiments, angle Y can be less than about 45 degree.In some embodiments, angle Y is less than 30 degree.In addition, in some embodiments, angle Y is 20 degree or littler.In some embodiments, angle Y is less than angle X.In some embodiments, by housing 84 and oblong openings 86 thereof are arranged on the optical pickup apparatus 94, thereby optical receiver 94 can have so fan-shaped viewing area.But, also can adopt other technology.

But by be provided at the direction parallel with antetheca 40 wideer on the direction vertical with antetheca 40 narrower viewing angle, optical receiver can be more difficult by triggering with antetheca 40 parallel people that walk about or user, unless thereby its part health is set directly at optical receiver 94 tops substantially towards antetheca 40 extensions.In some embodiments, open, then refuse bag to be inserted or more during swap-in inner liner 32, triggering optical receivers 94 by inner liner 32 can remain on lid 24 in the open position in case lid 24 is triggered by the user.In this specific embodiment, at least a portion inner liner 32 rises on body skin 22, and tilts so that be arranged on above the optical receiver 94 towards antetheca 40 forward.Sewage disposer assembly 20 can comprise that retaining member is to remain on inner liner 32 in this position when expecting.This position of inner liner 32 will make lid 24 stay open during the user is changing refuse bag in inner liner 24.

In addition, in some embodiments, can adopt a plurality of optical receivers 94.For example, with reference to Figure 16 C, can adopt two optical receivers 94.In this specific embodiment, the corresponding viewing area of optical receiver 94 can overlap in the zone that is identified by the capital letter A in Figure 16 C.Thisly overlappingly can provide extra detectability, and operation that can interference light receptor 94.Equally, in some embodiments, can just adopt an optical transmitting set 92.Therefore, described here sewage disposer 20 can adopt any amount combination of optical transmitting set 92 and optical receiver 94.

With reference to Figure 16 D and 16E, in some embodiments, sensor module 78 can have a plurality of for example four optical transmitting sets 92 and at least one optical receiver 94.In some embodiments, all optical transmitting sets 92 can be operated at first simultaneously.In other specific embodiment, just can operate some optical transmitting sets 92 at first with emission light, for example two in-to-in optical transmitting sets 92 are at sewage disposer assembly 20(or sensor module 78) middle body on launch light, for example in Figure 16 D, be expressed as capital I, and receptor 94 is configured to receive reflected light.And when activating two in-to-in optical transmitting sets 92 at the beginning and sensing activity, sensor module 78 can enter into super mode operation (being described in more detail below with reference to Figure 27).In the super mode operation, can activate two other exterior projectors 92 with at sensor module 78(and sewage disposer assembly 20) launch light on the broader area of top, for example in Figure 16 E, be expressed as capital O, so that more detecting the activity of user around sewage disposer assembly 20 in the wide region.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 16 D and 16E, and light-emitting zone is represented by the solid line above sewage disposer assembly 20, and photo detection area is illustrated by the broken lines.Light-emitting zone for example can be projected to the width of being represented by capital O in Figure 16 D, and this width is approximately identical with the width of sewage disposer assembly 20.The intensity of each optical transmitting set 92 and photodetector 94 can so be controlled, thereby they are projected to approximately identical height with light.Light-emitting zone can be projected to approximately identical height (being represented by horizon above these zones and capital H) with photo detection area in Figure 16 D.This highly can be regulated arbitrarily to adapt to the movable height of user above sensor module 78.Height H can be represented sensitive area or district.In some embodiments, height H can for example be approximately 15 inches for about 5 to about 30 inches.

With reference to Figure 17, sensor module 78 can be connected with lift system 52 and communicates by letter by strap wire 100 or other suitable structure.In some embodiments, sensor module 78 can with lift system 52 radio communications.

With reference to Figure 18 and 19, lift system 52 can comprise shell 102 and door member 104.As shown in figure 19, door member 104 can swing open and is closed to adapt to the motion of lift system 52.Especially, door member 104 can be used for suppressing or prevent that fragment and other undesired material from entering into the zone of lift system 52.In addition, in some embodiments, lift system 52 can comprise hole or opening 105, and is for example the same as shown in figure 18.Hole or opening 105 can be with removing fragment or the material that is accumulated in the lift system 52.

With reference to Figure 20, controller 58 can be constructed according to any known mode, comprises to have for example hardwired systems of resistor, cond, impulse deviser, operational amplifier, logical gate etc. of independent electronic unit.In other specific embodiment, controller 58 can be made of commercially available treater, microprocessor, microcontroller, and each comprises that all corresponding appropriate operating system and software are so that carry out function described below and control program.Shown in the specific embodiment in, controller 58 comprises two microcontrollers.

A microcontroller 110 can be configured to operating optical projector and receiver system, so that detect the incoming signal that is used for uncover 24 from the user.For example, in some embodiments, microcontroller 110 can be configured to make that optical transmitting set 92 is that optical signal, for example infrared light are encrypted in the pulse emission of 38KHz with the frequency.Below with reference to Figure 22,23 more detailed descriptions from the emission pattern of optical transmitting set 92.

When microcontroller 110 was determined to have detected incoming signal, it can send instruction with uncover 24 to second microcontroller 120.Controller 58 can also comprise the power supply 122 of the stable output that is configured to provide 5 volts.For example, this power supply 122 can comprise with the power supply 124 of battery forms or be configured to export 9 volts AC to DC conv.When power supply 124 adopted the battery pack form, it can export the voltage that is low to moderate 5 volts.Power supply 122 can also comprise the regulating control 126 that is configured to microcontroller 110 and 5 volts of burning voltages of 120 outputs.

Microcontroller 120 can also be configured to drive the motor controller 128 that can be operatively connected with electrical motor 60.Continuation is with reference to Figure 20, and position detector (position transduser) 68,70 can be communicated by letter with second microcontroller 120.Microcontroller 120 can send instruction to electrical motor 60 and driven wheel 64.

All parts at controller 58 recited above can be installed on monolithic or the polylith circuit card.Shown in the specific embodiment in, for example controller 58 can be attached to (for example referring to Fig. 5) in the control desk 59.

With reference to Figure 21, control program 150 can be used in combination with controller 58.For example, control program 150 can be to be stored in the form of software storage in the microcontroller 120.Shown in the specific embodiment in, control program 150 begins at operating block 152 places.In operating block 152, control program 150 is hardware initialization, and variable is for example reset to 0 or other default settings.After operating block 152, control program 150 can forward decision block 154 to.

In decision block 154, can determine that lid 24 is whether in the closed position, be also referred to as " initial " position.For example, controller 120 can usage flag position transduser 68,70 be determined the position of lid 24.For example, as shown in figure 11, in the position of closing fully, marking element 76 and position transduser 68 and 70 mutual actions.If microcontroller 120 detects this situation, microcontroller 120 can determine that lid 24 closes.Therefore, in operating block 154, do not close if determine lid 24, then control program 150 can forward operating block 156 to.

In operating block 156, microcontroller 120 can control motor controller 128, and driving motor 60 drives lid 24 towards cutting out (initial) position thus.Microcontroller 120 can continue driving motor 60 and reach off position or detect overtime fault up to lid 24, and is for example described below with reference to operating block 182.After operating block 156, control program can turn back to decision block 154 and continue.

If in decision block 154, it is in the closed position that controller 58 is determined lid 24, then control program 150 can forward decision block 158 to.

In decision block 158, can determine whether to have received the signal that shows that lid 24 should be opened.Can whether receive the judgement of sort signal according to the control program of describing below with reference to Figure 22-24.If do not detect any signal, then control program 150 can forward operating block 160 to.

In operating block 160, microcontroller 120 can enter park mode so that minimum energy losses.This park mode can be for being used for the arbitrary patterns of low-energy operation.For example, during operation of sleep mode, any energy needn't be operated or do not consumed to motor driver 128 or mark position detector 68,70.

After operating block 160, control program 150 can be got back to decision block 158 and repeat.If determine to detect signal in decision block 158, then control program 150 can forward operating block 162 to.

In operating block 162, microcontroller 120 can drive driving governor 128 and therefore driving motor 60 so that make lid 24 move to open position.As shown in Figure 16, operating block 162 can be according to comprising the battery status that forms power supply 124 and desired lid 24 actuation movement that should make progress towards some parameter of the speed of open position motion.These features are by piece 164 expressions.These technology can be carried out according to disclosed relevant art in Figure 15 in patent publication No. 2007/0182551-21 and the appended content, and the document thus by reference and combination.After operating block 162, control program 150 can forward decision block 166 to.

In decision block 166, can determine whether to have passed through specific maximum time so that make lid 24 move to the fully open position.For example, move to the fully open position 5 seconds, then can determine to have fault in the motion opening of lid 24 if lid 24 has spent to surpass.For example, the user may stay object on the top of lid, has stoped lid to move towards open position thus.In some embodiments, controller 120 can by the output of analysis position sensor 68,60 or arbitrarily other technology determine whether lid has moved to open position.If determined to have passed through maximum time in decision block 166, then control program 150 can forward operating block 168 to.

In operating block 168, can provide audio frequency and/or vision signal to show to the user and detect fault.Controller 58 can comprise fault detection module, thereby microcontroller 120 can make all operations of electrical motor 60 stop preventing destruction, perhaps for example can make lid 24 get back to off position, reference position under the situation of fault detecting.

If determined arrive open position through lid 24 before the schedule time in decision block 166, then this program 150 can forward operating block 170 to.Operating block 170 is illustrated in a point in the control program 150, but this moment any additional operations needn't be arranged.After operating block 170, control program can forward decision block 172 to.

In decision block 172, can determine whether lid has kept predetermined in open position and opened the time.In some embodiments, the time of opening is 5 seconds.If determine not open the time through this, then program 150 can forward decision block 172 to.

In decision block 174, can determine whether to have activated and stay open switch.For example, button and/or switch 98(Figure 15) can be as staying open switch.Therefore, do not stay open switch 98 if also activate, then control program can be got back to decision block 172.

In decision block 172, if determined that lid has kept predetermined and opened the time in open position, then this program can forward operating block 176 to.

In operating block 176, lid 24 can forward off position to.For example, microcontroller 120 can drive driving governor 128 with driving motor 60, so that make lid 24 move towards off position.Equally, as top reference block 164 is described, can be according to the downward driving operation that carry out operating block 176 by the parameter of piece 178 expressions.These parameters can comprise the state of battery and parameter At All Other Times, the speed of for example desired cover closing motion.Described these parameters and relevant control program in patent publication No. 2007/0182551, the document is attached to herein thus by reference.After operating block 176, this program 150 can forward decision block 180 to.

In decision block 180, can determine, whether passed through the schedule time since activating electrical motor 60 so that lid 24 is driven towards off position.In some embodiments, the predetermined shut can be 5 seconds or other schedule time amount.Be activated above the predetermined shut if determine driving motor, then control program 150 can forward operating block 182 to.In operating block 182, can give controller 40 give a signals with output audio and/or video indication, be illustrated in the closing movement of lid and detected fault.On the other hand, if determine also not pass through the described shut during the closing movement of lid, then in decision block 180, control program can turn back to decision block 154 and repeat this program.

With reference to Figure 22, controller 58 can be operated the signal that is used for uncover 24 with detection according to any known mode.Figure 22 demonstrates the embodiment that control program 190 can begin at operating block 192 places.In operating block 192, with operating block 152 similar (Figure 21), control program 190 can be by beginning hardware initialization and replacement variable.After operating block 192, control program 190 can forward decision block 194 to.

In decision block 194, can determine whether to have passed through the length of one's sleep or (dormancy) regularly.If determining does not also have through this timing, then control program 190 can forward operating block 196 to.

In operating block 196, control program 190 can continue to allow this system hibernates, does not in other words launch any optical signal from projector 92 and passes through up to fixed.Timing setting can be operation 0.25 second in some embodiments.But, also can adopt other predetermined amount of time.

After operating block 196, control program can turn back to decision block 194 and repeat.Regularly passed through if determine dormancy on the other hand, then control program 190 can forward operating block 198 to.

In operating block 198, can send pulsed optical signals by optical transmitting set 92.In some embodiments, the output of optical transmitting set 92 can be adopted the pulsed light form.In some embodiments, light can be in the frequency pulsation of 38KHz.In addition, in some embodiments, can adopt below the form of two, three or four code signals in greater detail with reference to Figure 18 from the signal of optical transmitting set 92.From optical transmitting set 92 after the output signal, control program 190 can forward decision block 200 to.

In decision block 200, judge whether the signal from optical transmitting set 92 is received by optical receiver 94.Whether for example, in some embodiments, controller 110 can be analyzed the signal that is received by optical receiver 94, received by optical receiver 94 to determine the identical pulse output signal that is sent by optical transmitting set 92.Received by optical receiver 94 if determine the identical pulse output of being sent by optical transmitting set 92, then control program can forward operating block 202 to.

In operating block 202, microcontroller 110 can give microcontroller 120 give a signals to wake up and to begin operation to drive lid 24.On the other hand, also do not receive if determine the output signal that sends from optical transmitting set 92, then control program 190 can forward operating block 204 to.

In operating block 204, can from optical transmitting set 92, send another signal.For example, output signal can be the identical output signal that sends in operating block 198, and perhaps it can be different output signals.After operating block 204, control program 190 can forward decision block 206 to.

In operating block 206, can determine whether received by optical receiver 94 from the code of optical transmitting set 92 outputs.If determine also not receive from the output signal of optical transmitting set 92, then control program 190 can turn back to decision block 194 and continue.On the other hand, if determine that in decision block 206 signal that sends is received from optical transmitting set 92 in operating block 204, then control program 190 can forward operating block 202 to and equally continue as mentioned above.

With reference to the operating block 198 and 204 of Figure 22, Figure 23 demonstrates the various optional encryption technology that are used for the signal that sent.In Figure 23, be designated as the example that 220 signal aspect and indication goes out impulse singla.For example, this signal can be illustrated in a series of pulses under the optional frequency.For the ease of discussing, the frequency of the pulse of signal 220 can be 38KHz.

Four signals that send for twice in the signal shown in Figure 23 222 expression, and life period postpones between twice.In other words, the first of signal 224 represents 1010 binary code signal.The solid line of the signal that draws is partly represented actual signal, and dotted portion demonstrates the pulse of losing.When therefore, the solid line of signal partly demonstrates signal from the line of reference arrival upper limit.In addition, the dotted portion of signal is represented the pulse of losing.Therefore, this part of signal 224 is represented binary code pulse: 1-0-1-0 as mentioned above.

In addition, signal 222 comprises second pulse code 228, also comprises the 1-0-1-0 code.Between these two parts of signal 224,228, exist to postpone 226.In some embodiments, delay can be 800 microseconds.But delay 226 also can be adopted other retardation.

Have been found that this four bit encryptions technology is enough irregular, thus sunshine or will can not repeat to produce this signal on every side by the light that a plurality of fluorescent tube bulb light produce.Therefore, by controller 58 being configured to send the impulse singla that two (2) four interdigits separate and determining whether these two isolated four signals reflect back into optical receiver 92, thereby controller can prevent unexpected or careless triggering of electrical motor 60 effectively.In addition, the transmission and the detection that are at least the code of four bit encryption codes can enough be carried out soon, thereby this system responds user input instruction rapidly.But, also can adopt other encryption technology.

Figure 24 demonstrates another control program 250 that can unite use with controller 58.This control program 250 can be configured to reduce battery power consumption by reducing the function of being carried out by microcontroller 110.

For example, control program 250 can begin at operating block 252 places.In operating block 252, can be with hardware initialization, and variable reset to 0 or default value.After operating block 252, control program 250 can forward operating block 254 to.

In operating block 254, can send coded signal from optical transmitting set 92.After operating block 254, control program 250 can forward decision block 256 to.

In decision block 256, can determine whether sewage disposer 20 just for example uses in the sunshine in bright light environments on every side.For example, microcontroller 110 can be configured to determine whether receiving optical signals continuously basically of optical receiver 94.For example, if optical receiver 94 received signal on the time period of 800 microseconds and that the time interim have surpass about 10 to 12 dropouts, can suppose that then sewage disposer 20 is being exposed to bright ambient light for example in the sunshine.Therefore, microcontroller 110 can be configured to avoid analyzing the output of optical receiver 94.If determine that in decision block 256 sewage disposer 20 is in the bright light environments, then control program 250 can turn back to operating block 252 and repeat.On the other hand, if determine that in decision block 256 sewage disposer 20 is not in the bright light environments, then control program 250 can forward operating block 258 to.

In operating block 258, microcontroller 110 can be operated so that optical transmitting set 92 emissions are encrypted optical signal, example signal 222 or another signal as shown in Figure 23.After operating block 258, control program 250 can forward decision block 260 to.

In decision block 260, can determine whether receive by any optical receiver 94 from the coded signal of operating block 258.If determine that signal is not received, then control program 250 can turn back to operating block 252 and repeat.On the other hand, if determine to receive coded signal in decision block 260, then control program 256 can forward operating block 262 to.

In operating block 262, control program 250 can be waited for the schedule time before proceeding.For example, this schedule time can be 800 microseconds or other delay arbitrarily.This postpones in some embodiments by 226 expressions of the delay in Figure 18.After operating block 262 postponed, control program 250 can forward operating block 264 to.

In operating block 264, from any optical receiver 94, send second coded signal.After operating block 264, control program 250 can forward decision block 266 to.

In decision block 266, can determine whether the coded signal that sends is received by any optical receiver 94 in operating block 264.If do not receive the coded signal from operating block 264, then control program can turn back to operating block 252 and repeat.If, on the other hand, receive by any optical receiver 94 from the coded signal of operating block 264, then control program 250 can forward operating block 268 to.

In operating block 268, with top with reference to the operating block 162 described similar fashion of Figure 21 or other technology arbitrarily, can send driving command with driving motor 60 to microcontroller 120.After operating block 268, control program 250 can forward operating block 270 to and finish, and this can comprise and turns back to operating block 252 to repeat this program.

Figure 25 demonstrates another control program 280 that is used for controller 58.This control program 280 can be configured to help extraneous signal is filtered out during lid 24 is in the pass closed procedure.When lid 24 was being closed, the user did not wish that lid is by mistake reopened.This reopens sometimes unintentionally owing to the motion of lid self and/or the motion or the light in other source occur.Therefore, just can implement high filtered model in the down periods at lid, its middle controller 58 triggers the more pulse of normal value that needs before reopening than the encryption light pulse signal that will be received by optical receiver 94 at lid 24.For example, for 7 signals, controller 58 can be sought the coded signal of 10 repetitions.

In operating block 282, controller 58 can be with the initialization of variable of high filtered model, and at the beginning can be with above-mentioned high filter operation forbidding.

In decision block 284, controller 58 can determine whether to have started high-pass filter.In some embodiments, lid 24 begins to close at any time, and high-pass filter can be enabled automatically.For example, during the operating block 176 of control program 150, can enable high-pass filter.In some embodiments, can need the user to enable high-pass filter by pushing button and/or switch 89.

In operating block 286, controller 58 can be with the high test initialization of filtering of ten (other numeral) counting.

In decision block 288, controller 58 can determine whether to have detected super mode.In control program 280, super mode can refer to controller 58 and whether receive lid and still be in the not indication of off position (for example, position transduser 68,70 also do not identify lid be in the complete off position).If lid still is in not off position, then high filter operation can begin in operating block 290 and 292.

In operating block 290 and 292, controller can be with the counting machine initialization, and this counting machine begins to add up the number of times that the coded signal from optical transmitting set 92 is received by optical receiver 94.Controller for example can need to come in 0.25 second ten circulations of detection signal, and the delay between the detection of each coded signal is 0.025 second.Also can adopt At All Other Times at interval, therefore can adopt other cycle number.

In decision block 294, controller can judge whether received 10 signals in 0.25 second.If then lid can be reopened (operating block 162 that for example can implement control program 150).If no, then lid can continue to fall (operating block 176 that for example can implement control program 150) towards off position.

Figure 26 demonstrates another control program 300 that is used for controller 58.This control program 300 can be configured to receive under the situation of encrypting light pulse signal specified time (for example 3 continuously second) at optical receiver 94 lid 24 is stayed open the longer time (for example 30 seconds).Control program 300 preferably allows the user can allow the lid 24 of sewage disposer 20 stay open the long period during throwing away rubbish, thereby the user can be placed into a plurality of rubbish article in the sewage disposer 20, and needn't worry that lid 24 can close between each article.

In operating block 302, controller 58 can and start at least one regularly with odd job (chore) the pattern variable initialization that prolongs.For example, controller 58 can start 5 seconds regularly.Also can adopt section At All Other Times.

In decision block 304, whether controller 58 can be determined also not receive under the situation of encrypting the light pulse signal schedule time at controller 58 and passed through 5 seconds.

In decision block 306, controller 58 can also determine whether optical receiver 94 has detected the encryption light pulse signal and continued at least 3 continuous seconds.Also can adopt section At All Other Times.If regularly also do not have in 5 seconds, and controller 58 has determined that optical receiver has received and encrypted light pulse signal at least 3 seconds that then control program can forward operating block 308 to.

In operating block 308, controller 58 can be in the odd job type-scheme of prolongation to represent this sewage disposer 20 with lid 24 bounce-backs two seconds.

In operating block 310, controller 58 can start 30 seconds regularly.During these 30 seconds, the user can begin the rubbish article are put in the sewage disposer 20, and needn't worry that lid 24 closes.

In decision block 312, controller 58 can determine whether timing in these 30 seconds has been passed through.In case regularly passed through in these 30 seconds, then sewage disposer 20 can turn back to normal mode.For example, control program can turn back at the control program shown in Figure 21 150, and more specifically for example turns back to the operating block 176 of control program 150, wherein lid 24 is closed.

Figure 27 demonstrates another control program 320 that is used for controller 58.This control program 320 can be configured to implement the super mode operation of sewage disposer 20.The super mode operational example of this sewage disposer 20 is as being used for improving during lid is in open mode (for example open fully or also do not have complete down periods at it) to the detection from the encryption light pulse signal of optical transmitting set 92.The detection of this enhancing can take place, and this is because the amperes increase (that is, therefore making it easier is detected by optical receiver) of encryption light pulse signal and/or the frequency of encryption light pulse signal increase.In preferred the layout, when lid 24 is opened fully, can adopt the super mode operation, thereby if user's decision suddenly stays open lid and its hand is placed on the optical transmitting set, sewage disposer 20 will more promptly identify this instruction.

In operating block 322, controller 58 can be with the super mode initialization of variable, and forbids the super mode operation at the beginning.

In decision block 324, controller 58 can determine whether the super mode operation enables.In some embodiments, super mode operation can arrive fully open position (for example being detected by position detector 68,70) time at each lid 24 and automatically enables.In some embodiments, can by use above-mentioned button and/in the switch 98 one manually implements the super mode operation.If the super mode operation is enabled, then control program 320 can forward operating block 326 to.

In operating block 326, controller 58 can the initialization super mode, and its middle controller 58 begins to improve the amperes of encrypting light pulse signal (for example amperes is increased to normal level three times) and/or improves the frequency (for example frequency being increased to greater than 38KHz) of coded signal.Also can adopt other numerical value and scope.In some embodiments, this can improve the detection range of encrypting light pulse signal.For example, in some embodiments, for example compare with the shorter scope when sewage disposer 20 is not in super mode, the scope of optical receiver 94 can be increased to 14 to 18 inches of sewage disposer.

In decision block 328, controller 58 can determine whether super mode correctly works and/or whether optical receiver 94 is beginning to receive the encryption light pulse signal.Encrypt light pulse signal if optical receiver 94 is beginning to receive, then control program can forward operating block 330 and 332 to.

In operating block 330, controller 58 can be with the initialization of super mode counting machine, and this counting machine can be used for adding up the cycle number of the encryption light pulse signal that optical receiver 94 receives.

In operating block 332, controller 58 can postpone 0.025 second.Also can adopt section At All Other Times.

In decision block 334, controller 58 can determine whether the super mode counting machine has counted at least 7 detection circulations of encrypting light pulse signal.If detected at least 7 circulations, then Control Circulation 320 can rotate back into main code, and for example specifically from Figure 21 to the operating block 170, perhaps arrives above-mentionedly at the control program shown in Figure 26 300, and lid is in open mode there.

If without any detection, then control program 320 can be got back to main code, and specifically for example gets back to the operating block 176 of Figure 21, and lid 24 can begin to close there.

Figure 28 demonstrates another control program 340 that is used for controller 58.This control program 340 can be used for the speed that moves to open mode and/or regulate lid 24 from open mode when closed condition is moved from closed condition at lid.Speed setting for example can and be regulated the voltage that imposes on electrical motor 60 by battery and carry out by monitoring one or more speed sensors or position detector (for example position detector 68,70).The speed of lid 24 can so be regulated, thereby lid 24 is in each constant and/or speed repeatably of keeping when using sewage disposer 20.Speed setting can be based on the predetermined optimum speed of lid 24.Therefore, if lid 24 breaks away from optimum speed work, then can regulate lid speed so that the speed of lid 24 is got back to its optimum speed.In addition, for prevent speed (and battery loss) near constant adjusting lid 24, in some embodiments, Cai can be just under the actual speed of being discerned and optimum speed differ the situation of predetermined value, the speed of lid 24 be regulated.

In operating block 342, controller 58 can be with the initialization of velocity amplitude tupe.For example, controller 58 can detect the position of lids 24 according to position transduser 68,70, and goes out lid 24 according to the data computation that receives from position detector 68,70 and move to such an extent that how soon have.

In decision block 344, controller 58 can determine that whether initial voltage is greater than 0.6 volt.Initial voltage can be the voltage of the battery of giving electrical motor 60 power supplies.This initial voltage can be represented present speed.

If, then can be in operating block 346 so that first velocity shifts is associated with present speed, thus make present speed rise or drop to optimum speed.

In decision block 348, whether controller 58 can determine initial voltage greater than 9 volts, and less than 9.6 volts.

If, then can be in operating block 350 so that second skew is associated with present speed, thus present speed rising or drop to optimum speed made.

In decision block 352, whether controller 58 can determine initial voltage greater than 7.5 volts, and less than 9 volts.

If, then in operating block 354, can be so that the 3rd skew be associated with present speed, thus make present speed rising or drop to optimum speed.

In decision block 356, controller 58 can determine that whether initial voltage is less than 7.5 volts.

If, then in operating block 358, can be so that the 4th skew be associated with present speed, thus make present speed rising or drop to optimum speed.

In operating block, if the answer in decision block 344,348,352 and 356 all is not at every turn, then controller 58 can be so that the 5th skew be associated with present speed, thereby makes present speed rising or drop to optimum speed.

In decision block 362, controller 58 can determine whether lid 24 rises or whether it is driven towards off position towards open position.If lid rises towards open position, then control program 340 can forward decision block 364 to.

In decision block 364, controller 58 can determine that whether the present speed of lid 24 is less than the optimum speed that is used for uncover 24 (for example, if this speed and optimum speed differ predetermined value at least, perhaps not in comprising the preset range of optimum speed).If this speed is less than optimum speed, then control program can forward operating block 366 to.

In operating block 366, controller 58 can come governing speed by increasing an above-mentioned velocity shifts.

In decision block 368, controller 58 can determine that whether the present speed of lid 24 is greater than the optimum speed that is used for uncover 24 (for example, if this speed and optimum speed differ predetermined value at least, perhaps not in preset range).If this speed is greater than optimum speed, then control program can forward operating block 370 to.

In operating block 370, controller 58 can for example be regulated this speed by deducting an above-mentioned velocity shifts.

In decision block 372, if driving lid (according to decision block 362) downwards, controller 58 can determine whether present speed (also has, for example less than the optimum speed that is used for close cap 24, if speed and optimum speed differ predetermined value at least, perhaps not in preset range).If present speed is less than the optimum speed that is used for close cap 24, then control program 340 can forward operating block 374 to.

In operating block 374, controller 58 can for example be regulated this speed by increasing an above-mentioned velocity shifts.

In decision block 376, if controller 58 can determine that present speed is whether greater than the optimum speed that is used for close cap 24 (also have, for example, if speed and optimum speed differ predetermined value at least, perhaps not in preset range).If present speed is greater than the optimum speed that is used for close cap 24, then control program can forward operating block 378 to.

In operating block 378, controller 58 can for example be regulated this speed by deducting an above-mentioned velocity shifts.

In operating block 380, in case carried out speed setting, then controller 58 can be got back to main code, for example gets back to the operating block 162 or 176 in Figure 21, opens or closes the position so that make lid 24 move to.Control program 340 can continue to monitor the motion of lid 24 then, and regulates when needing.

Though describe the present invention with reference to some preferred specific embodiment and embodiment, but those of ordinary skills it being understood that and also comprise other optional embodiment of the present invention and/or purposes and conspicuous modification and equivalent here outside the concrete disclosed embodiment of the present invention.In addition, though be shown specifically and described several modification of the present invention, those of ordinary skills will be easy to expect falling within the scope of the invention other modification according to disclosure.What also want is that the concrete feature and the aspect of the embodiment that these are concrete can have various combinations or sub-portfolio, and these combinations still fall within the scope of the invention.It should be understood that each feature of the disclosed specific embodiment and the aspect can make up mutually or substitute each other so that form the various patterns of disclosed invention.Therefore, disclosed here at least some scopes of invention should not be confined to the above-mentioned disclosed especially specific embodiment.

Claims (26)

1. closed container, it comprises:

Limit the container part of memory device;

The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to container opening and closing;

Power supply;

Be configured to make lid opening and closing electrical motor and the gear assembly that moves between the position;

The lifting member that is connected and is configured to move with lid by electrical motor and gear assembly;

Be arranged near the lifting member so that detect a plurality of position detectors of the position of lifting member;

Be located at the upper end of container and be configured to send at least one optical transmitting set of encrypting pulsed optical signals, described encryption is at least three bit encryptions;

Be positioned at least one optical receiver of the upper end of described container, be configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals, described at least one receptor has the limited oblong receiving area that is used to receive described pulsed optical signals; And

Controller is configured to control the operation of described lid, and described controller comprises:

At least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction to open described lid to controller;

The position of cap monitor module is configured to monitor the position of described lifting member and determines that described lid is in open mode or is in closed condition;

At least one fault detection module is configured to stop the operation of described electrical motor and provides indicating fault under described electrical motor has been operated situation above predetermined amount of time;

High filtering module is configured to sending instruction to described controller to improve the number of times that receives described encryption pulsed optical signals before described lid is opened;

Stay open module, be configured under the situation of the described encryption pulsed optical signals that has received second time quantum described lid remained on open position very first time amount;

The super mode module is configured to the sensitivity that frequency by improving described encryption pulsed optical signals and/or amperes improve described at least one optical receiver; And

The velocity compensation module is configured to the kinematic velocity that the predetermined optimum speed of basis is regulated described lid.

2. closed container, it comprises:

Limit the container part of holder;

The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing;

Power supply;

Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between described opening and closing position;

At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals;

At least one optical receiver, its upper end that is arranged on described container are everywhere and be configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And

Controller is configured to control the operation of described lid, and described controller comprises:

At least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the described encryption impulse singla whether described receptor has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction to open described lid to controller; And

High filtering module is configured to sending instruction to described controller to improve the number of times that receives described encryption pulsed optical signals before described lid is opened.

3. closed container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said high filtering module is increased to 10 with described number of signals from 7.

4. closed container as claimed in claim 2 is wherein as long as lid just activates described high filtering module from the fully open position towards complete off position motion.

5. closed container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said electrical motor and gear assembly also comprise the door member that is configured to round described lifting member opening and closing.

6. closed container as claimed in claim 2 also comprises being arranged at least one opening that described electrical motor and gear assembly are used to remove external fragment.

7. closed container as claimed in claim 2 also comprises a plurality of position detectors that are configured to detect the position of lid, and described position detector comprises the paired optics proximity detector with optical transmitting set and optical receiver form.

8. closed container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said controller comprises that at least one is configured to open the microcontroller of described lid, and described at least one microcontroller is configured to not enter park mode so that cut down the consumption of energy under described optical receiver receives the situation of described encryption impulse singla of pre-determined number.

9. closed container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said controller comprises fault detection module, if wherein lid has spent the time that surpasses the schedule time and has moved to the fully open position, then described controller is configured to determine to have fault in the motion opening of lid, and described controller is configured to make that all operations of described electrical motor stops perhaps to be configured to make described lid to get back to the reference position of closing to prevent any damage.

10. closed container as claimed in claim 9, the wherein said schedule time is 5 seconds.

11. a closed container, it comprises:

Limit the container part of holder;

The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing;

Power supply;

Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between the opening and closing position;

At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals;

At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive the encryption pulsed optical signals; And

Controller is configured to control the operation of described lid, and described controller comprises:

At least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; And

Stay open module, be configured to described lid be remained on open position very first time amount receiving under the situation of encrypting pulsed optical signals second time quantum.

12. closed container as claimed in claim 11, the wherein said module that stays open continues at least 3 and makes lid stay open 30 seconds after continuously second receiving described encryption pulsed optical signals.

13. closed container as claimed in claim 11, wherein said electrical motor and gear assembly comprise the lifting member of extension rod form.

14. closed container as claimed in claim 11, it also comprises a plurality of position detectors that are configured to detect the position of described lid, and described position detector comprises the paired optics proximity detector with optical transmitting set and optical receiver form.

15. a closed container, it comprises:

Limit the container part of holder;

The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing;

Power supply;

Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between the opening and closing position;

At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals;

At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And

Controller is configured to control the operation of described lid, and described controller comprises:

At least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; And

Sensitivity strengthens module, is configured to the sensitivity that frequency by improving described encryption pulsed optical signals and/or amperes improve described at least one optical receiver.

16. closed container as claimed in claim 15 wherein strengthens amperes in the module for do not strengthen three times of level in the module at sensitivity at described sensitivity.

17. closed container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensitivity strengthen module and are configured to the frequency of described signal is increased to greater than 38KHz.

18. closed container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensitivity strengthen module and are configured to the detection range of described at least one optical receiver is increased in 14 to 18 inches scopes of described sewage disposer.

19. closed container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensitivity strengthen module and are configured to send instruction so that described lid is stayed open the schedule time to described controller.

20. closed container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensitivity strengthen module and are configured to activate the described module that stays open.

21. a closed container, it comprises:

Limit the container part of holder;

The lid of installing and being configured to move between the position with respect to described container opening and closing;

Power supply;

Electrical motor and gear assembly, it is configured to make described lid to move between the opening and closing position;

At least one optical transmitting set, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to send the encryption pulsed optical signals;

At least one optical receiver, it is arranged on the upper end of described container and is configured to receive described encryption pulsed optical signals; And

Controller is configured to control the operation of described lid, and described controller comprises:

At least one lid motion trigger module is configured to detect the encryption impulse singla whether described optical receiver has received pre-determined number, and sends instruction so that described lid is opened to described controller; And

The velocity compensation module is configured to regulate the kinematic velocity of described lid according to being scheduled to optimum speed.

22. closed container as claimed in claim 21, wherein said velocity compensation module are configured to the present speed increase of described lid and/or deduct velocity shifts.

23. closed container as claimed in claim 21, wherein said sewage disposer has and is used to make lid towards the optimum speed of open position motion, and wherein said velocity compensation module only is configured to fall within the situation outside the speed range that comprises described optimum speed just present speed to described lid at present speed and increases and deduct velocity shifts.

24. closed container as claimed in claim 21, wherein said sewage disposer has and is used to make described lid towards the optimum speed of off position motion, and wherein said velocity compensation module only is configured to fall within the situation outside the speed range that comprises described optimum speed just present speed to described lid at present speed and increases and deduct velocity shifts.

25. closed container as claimed in claim 21, it also comprises a plurality of position detectors that are configured to detect the position of described lid, and wherein said velocity compensation module be configured to by use a plurality of position detectors detect described lid the position or/or determine described lid present speed.

26. closed container as claimed in claim 21, wherein said velocity compensation module are configured to detect the trigger voltage to the battery of electrical motor power supply, and come with the described electrical motor of certain load driving according to the trigger voltage of battery.

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